Behaviorism is a psychological current that has had a great impact on the history of psychology. It emerged at the beginning of the 20th century as a reaction to the introspective approach to psychology, proposing a new approach based on the observation and measurement of observable behavior. In this article, we will explore the history, key concepts, and main authors of behaviorism.
History of behaviorism
Behaviorism had its origin in the works of Ivan Pavlov, a Russian physiologist known for his experiments with dogs. Pavlov discovered the phenomenon of classical conditioning, in which a neutral stimulus comes to elicit a conditioned response after being repeatedly associated with an unconditioned stimulus. These findings laid the foundation for the development of behaviorism as a psychological current.
John B. Watson was the main promoter of behaviorism in modern psychology. In 1913, Watson published an article titled "Psychology as the Behaviorist Views It", in which he proposed that the object of study of psychology should be observable and measurable behavior, as opposed to internal mental processes. Watson strongly opposed the introspective approach to psychology, maintaining that only observable behavior could be the subject of scientific study.
Classical behaviorism
Classical behaviorism, represented mainly by Watson and later by BF Skinner, it focused on the study of conditioning and learning through the association of stimuli and responses. Skinner developed the concept of operant conditioning, in which behavior is modified through rewards and punishments, leading to the formation of habits and patterns of behavior.
One of Skinner's most famous experiments was the "Skinner box", an experimental device that allowed operant conditioning to be studied in animals such as pigeons and rats. Through this and other experiments, Skinner demonstrated how behavior could be shaped and controlled through consequences based on rewards and punishments.
Radical behaviorism
Another important current within the Behaviorism is radical behaviorism, proposed by BF Skinner and other authors. This perspective expands the focus of classical behaviorism by including internal variables, such as thoughts and emotions, as part of the scientific analysis of human behavior. Skinner developed the theory of selection by consequences, arguing that human behavior is influenced by the consequences that follow an action.
Radical behaviorism has had a significant impact in areas such as psychotherapy, education and behavior management. The application of the principles of behaviorism has led to the development of behavior modification techniques, intervention programs for behavioral disorders, and teaching strategies based on reinforcement and punishment.
Key concepts of behaviorism
Classical conditioning
Classical conditioning is a learning process in which a previously neutral stimulus comes to evoke a conditioned response after being repeatedly associated with an unconditioned stimulus. This phenomenon was discovered by Ivan Pavlov in his experiments with dogs, and has been widely studied in the field of behaviorism.
A classic example of classical conditioning is Pavlov's experiment with dogs, in which he associated the sound of a bell with the presence of food to provoke a conditioned salivation response in dogs just by hearing the bell. This type of learning is fundamental in the study of animal and human behavior.
Operant conditioning
Operant conditioning is a learning process in which behavior is modified through consequences based on rewards and punishments. BF Skinner developed this theory, arguing that behavior is influenced by the consequences that follow an action.
In operant conditioning, responses that are followed by rewards tend to be repeated, while those followed by punishments tend to decrease. This learning process is fundamental in the formation of habits and behavior patterns in humans and animals.
Reinforcement and punishment
Reinforcement and punishment are fundamental concepts in the theory of conditioning operating. Reinforcement involves increasing the likelihood that a behavior will be repeated by presenting a desirable consequence after the response, such as a reward. On the other hand, punishment consists of reducing the probability that a behavior will be repeated by presenting an undesirable consequence, such as a punishment.
These principles are widely used in behavior modification, child rearing , education and behavior management in work environments. Understanding how reinforcement and punishment influence human behavior is essential for designing effective interventions.
Main authors of behaviorism
Ivan Pavlov (1849-1936)
Ivan Pavlov was a Russian physiologist known for his experiments with dogs, which led to the discovery of classical conditioning. Pavlov demonstrated that dogs could associate a neutral stimulus, such as the sound of a bell, with food, causing a conditioned salivation response to the sound of the bell. His research laid the foundations for the development of behaviorism as a psychological movement.
John B. Watson (1878-1958)
John B. Watson was an American psychologist considered the father of behaviorism. . Watson proposed that the object of study of psychology should be observable and measurable behavior, as opposed to internal mental processes. His focus on the observation and measurement of behavior laid the foundation for the later development of behaviorism as an influential psychological movement.
BF Skinner (1904-1990)
Burrhus Frederic Skinner was a American psychologist known for his work in operant conditioning and the theory of radical behaviorism. Skinner developed the theory of selection by consequences, arguing that human behavior is influenced by the consequences that follow an action. His research on operant conditioning and behavior modification has had a lasting impact on psychology and other related disciplines.
Conclusions
Behaviorism has been an influential psychological movement that has had a significant impact on the history of psychology. Emerging as a reaction to the introspective approach of psychology, behaviorism proposed a new approach based on the observation and measurement of observable behavior. Key authors such as Ivan Pavlov, John B. Watson and BF Skinner have contributed significantly to the development and consolidation of behaviorism as a respected and studied psychological movement.
The key concepts of behaviorism, such as classical conditioning , operant conditioning, reinforcement and punishment, have been fundamental both in academic research and in practical application in areas such as psychotherapy, education and behavior management. Understanding how human behavior is influenced by rewards, punishments and the consequences of their actions has allowed the development of effective techniques for behavior modification and the promotion of positive behaviors.